PBMHR has an opening for a Peer Support Specialist to work with a new program in Jones County focusing on assisted outpatient treatment (AOT). Must be a current or former consumer or a first degree family member of an individual who has received treatment for and self-identifies as a consumer of former mental health consumer. This position requires on-call duties. Upon hire, the Peer Support Specialist will attend DMH training to become a Certified Peer Support Specialist.

Requirements:

Education/License:

High School Diploma or equivalent required

Must be a current DMH Certified Peer Support Specialist or be able to obtain certification within 90 days of hire

Must possess a valid Mississippi Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record

Reliable transportation needed to provide services in the community

Work Experience/Skills:

Knowledge of how to establish and sustain self-help (mutual support) and educational groups by soliciting input from the mental health consumers on their strengths and interests.

Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of mental illness and the ability to assist the client to address symptoms using strategies such as positive self-talk.

Must have demonstrated a minimum of six (6) months, preferably twelve (12) months, in self-directed recovery.

Responsibilities:

Advocates for consumers by providing consumer information in terms that consumers and families can understand through various formal and informal settings.

Assists with targeted outreach, medication monitoring, system navigation, and advocacy.

Engages families and consumers to help them/loved ones to be successful and meet their goals.

Functions as a role model to peers by exhibiting competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills.

Provides a range of structured activities that are provided face to face to assist individuals in their recovery/resiliency process. These activities will support the goals of the individual's documented individual Service Plan and/or Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP).